Emily Johnson

Wakey, wakey friends. It’s a rainy day and I just want to crawl back into bed. I’ve been up since 5AM, got my work out in, took the Queen out for her walk (aka I carried her around because it’s raining out and she whined to be let down when we located the perfect potty spot), and it’s now 7:15 and I’m ready to start my day. I hauled my trust Julep Concealer that I told you about yesterday to do my makeup! I LOVE it but of course, my Sephora Savings Event cart is still filled with other concealers I want to try out. The hunt never ends when it comes to finding the ultimate concealer formula (I secretly hope it never will so I can continue to try new and exciting concealers).

Here’s a list of concealer recommendations to check out and here’s some you shouldn’t bother with.

Sarah Creal Face Flex Concealer & Complexion Enhancer with Caffeine $58
Sorry, I haven’t reviewed this yet. I got it several months ago and I’ve been meaning to pop a review up but it didn’t rock my world the way I thought it would. It’s good, creamy, very pigmented, but not quite what I expected and even with a sale it’s still too high a price to pay for a formula I feel can be duplicated with a more inexpensive option.

Pat Mcgrath Labs Sublime Perfection Concealer $34
I want to tell you this is an IMMEDIATE yes. I actually love this formula. The pigment is next level insanity. I’m talking more pigmented than Shape Tape. The problem with the formula is it can a bit dry, a bit difficult to blend, and needs a lot of prepping to look really good. It’s very thick and very creamy and that’s a perk and a problem as it can be a little frustrating to look natural. So, I’d say leave it unless you score it during a sale and have time to play with it.

Tarte Maracuja Creamy Creaseless Concealer Starting at $15
Immediate no. I was really excited when this launched but the formula is just irritating to work with, not that creamy, and fairly dry. Skip it.

Shade Swatched: 29N

Lancôme Care and Glow Serum Concealer with Hyaluronic Acid $31
Yes if you can find a good color match. EXCELLENT, hydrating formula with a thin yet creamy consistency and not a ton of glow to it but more natural looking. I do have a bit of an issue finding the perfect shade but when you do it’s a treat. Great for finer lines!

Kulfi Main Match Crease-Proof Long-Wear Hydrating Concealer $26
Absolutely, yes. A million times yes. This is an interesting formula as not only is it creamy, pigmented, easy to blend, and long-wearing but the shades sort of have a built in corrector of sorts. Some lean yellow which is great for diffusing darkness and some have a peachier undertone which is great for brightening.

Dior Backstage Concealer $32
I know a lot of people who are Dior Forever Skin Correct Full-Coverage Concealer fan girls but Dior Backstage is a REAL gem. I prefer it over Forever Skin. First off, the applicator is stupid awesome. It’s a small brush that looks like one you’d get in a nail polish which makes it easy to “paint” the concealer under your eyes or anywhere else. The formula has a serum-like consistency and blends like literal melted butter. It also wears like a champion in heat and humidity. A must for concealer fans!

Saie Slip Tint Radiant All-Over Concealer with Niacinamide $28
Thumbs up! Great formula here. Super creamy, very pigmented, and brightens the under eye very nicely.

Saie Slip Tint Radiant All-Over Concealer Swatches (Shade 7)

Kosas Revealer Super Creamy + Brightening Concealer with Caffeine and Hyaluronic Acid $32
This is a little controversial as I’m an ex-Kosas Concealer lover. I used to really love this formula but for some reason it just doesn’t work for me anymore. It’s ultra creamy but it sets quickly and has a rather unflattering drier matte finish that isn’t working under my eyes lately. I’d skip it. I think there are concealer formulas out there that are a bit better than this.

Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Hydrating + De-puffing Concealer with Fermented Arnica $32
Yes! Very creamy, blends very easily, and the applicator is some kind of wonderful. It also, flexes like skin so it doesn’t crease but moves with your expressions. If you’re smiling a lot this isn’t going to creep into your fine lines!

Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place 24-Hour Longwear Concealer $38
Noooooo! Hate the shade range but also, it sets too quickly and feels super drying. I know this is getting super hype at the moment and lots of rave reviews but I question those reviews hardcore because I did not experience the performance they did. I realize Double Wear is everyone’s fav foundation but the concealer is a red flag for me.

Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer $38
It took me a while to develop feelings for Hourglass’ Concealer. I recall purchasing it when it releases five years ago and being like, eh, it’s ok. About a year and a half ago I picked it up again and I have to say it’s become a daily part of my concealer rotation. It’s very creamy, excellent for drier and aging eyes, and it wears quite well but also, brightens up the entire eye area. An HG concealer for me!

What are your concealer picks of the moment? Thanks to my Instagram Channel friends for the rec I’ve decided I’ll be trying Natasha Denona Hy-Glam Brightening & Hydrating Medium to Full Coverage Crease Proof Serum Concealer finally! Wish me lucky!

Where to buy

Sephora

About the Muse

Isabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

About the Muse

Isabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

It’s time! Head over to sephora.com and use code SAVEMORE to save 20% off your order if you’re Rouge plus save 30% off the Sephora Collection! The sale starts now. Let me know what you grab! Looking forward to hearing what you get. Don’t forget to read my Shop the Sephora Savings Event Like a Pro Post before you dive in!

Enjoy!

P.S. If you’re using any of my links to shop thank you! It really helps to maintain this website which has gotten considerably expensive over the years to keep up and running due to the host fees that keep going up! I appreciate you!

Where to buy

Sephora

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Can you smell colors? Am I weird because I associate certain colors with a scent? If I see pink anything I think of it as smelling like bubblegum! If I see yellow I think of it smelling like a yellow Starburst! If I see green I think of it as smelling like Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm. I swear Farmacy has singlehandedly made me think all things green smell like its cleansing balm! I love that smells! I can’t even describe it. It just smells green!

But hey, I realize not everyone is into fragrance in their skincare. You what? I’m sort of there too lately. At one time in my life I always felt fragrance in my skincare sort of added to the experience of using it but the older I get the more I appreciate fragrance-free skincare.

Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm has long been a favorite cleansing balm of mine and I know many, many of you use and love it as well. For those who don’t like the fragrance in it or perhaps avoided it because it was fragranced now is your time to shine. Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm is now available in a fragrance-free formula. Yes, that’s right. ZERO fragrance and same great formula. I never thought I’d see the day. Remove your makeup quickly and easily without the fragrance!

Your fragrance-free prayers have been answered.

Farmacy Fragrance-Free Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm is available now!

Where to buy

Sephora

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Did I buy the Sephora Favorites What’s In My Bag: Makeup, Hair and Body Value Set just for the bag? Yes. Am I carrying stuff around in it? Yes, I am! Don’t judge your girl it was too cute not to get. Sadly, it sold out but I did manage to find it at two Sephora stores locally. If you want it, I’d highly recommend calling your stores to ask or checking online. They’ll be nice enough to hold it for you as well if you call your fav store and they have it.

If you still can’t find it after all that work there are still two other new favorite sets to take advantage of.

Sephora Favorites Vacay All Day Beauty Value Set $48
Vacay vibes with four full-size products? Yes please. This set includes a full-size Mario Hydrating Supershine Lipgloss, a full size Merit Day Glow Dewy Highlighting Balm, a full-size Glosser Balm Dot Come, and a full-size Rare Beauty Melting Cream Blush! WHAT A DEAL! Plus all these deluxe goodies:

• Urban Decay All Nighter Waterproof Makeup Setting Spray (Deluxe) 0.5 oz
• Yves Saint Laurent Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara in Noir 0.06 oz
• Ouai St. Barts Hair and Body Mist (Deluxe) 0.84 oz
• Patrick Ta Major Glow Luminous Bronzing Body Oil 0.33 oz
• Innisfree, Daily UV Defense Invisible Broad Spectrum SPF 36 Sunscreen (Deluxe) 0.33 oz

Sephora Favorites Clean Me Up Makeup and Skincare Value Set $50
Another jammed packed fav set with a full-size Kulfi Beauty Free The Brow Volumizing & Laminating Brow Gel, Tower 28 Beauty MakeWaves Lengthening + Volumizing Mascara in Jet Black, and Lawless Forget The Filler Lip Plumper Line Smoothing Gloss in Cherry Vanilla!

Plus:

• Olehenriksen Banana Bright+ Instant Glow Moisturizer with Niacinamides and Vitamin C 0.25 oz
• Glow Recipe, Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops Serum 0.16 oz
• Fenty Beauty by Rihanna, Fat Water Hydrating Milky Toner Essence with Hyaluronic Acid + Tamarind 1.7 oz
• LYS No Limits Cream Bronzer and Contour Stick in Courage (neutral/olive undertone, natural finish for tan skin tones) 0.09 oz
• Merit Flush Balm Cream Blush in Stockholm baby pink 0.16 oz

These are available now!

Where to buy

Sephora

Ok, so, facts is facts it’s still puffy season. It’s rainy and cold in New York today and I put on a lightweight jacket today thinking, oh, they said 70 degrees. Yeah, but no..! It’s sort of brisk out and def not 70 anything. I would also, like to mention Simon Lian did a little fit check (if I’m honest his whole little video was giving dad vibes not “I’m a celeb” but, ya know, I loved on it!) today in his puffer and replied to my comment on Instagram about it. So, yeah, I’m some kind of famous in my head right now that my C-Drama crush replied back to me. Stop this insanity what will my boyfriend think. We better break it to him I’m leaving him for Simon. This is how parasocial relationships start (Simon, doesn’t know he’s my iPhone wallpaper let’s keep that between us ok?)! In all seriousness, I guess everyone around the world is just dealing with whatever weird weather thing we have going on at the moment.

But Summer is coming…! We’ll get there. Sooner or later! While we wait for the humid, hot days (that we’ll proceed to b*tch about because as a New Yorker we oh so love discussing the weather) let’s talk about skin tints! They’re everywhere lately aren’t they? And I’m here for it. I’m not a heavy duty foundation girl. A dot or two here and there does me just fine. I prefer tints, tinted moisturizers, and lightweight foundations. I just don’t want to go around applying a mound of foundation like Meredith Duxbury. Also, I don’t really need it. My skin is in good condition and the only real issue I have is it looks sort of dull and lackluster. A little coverage to brighten up and even my complexion out is all I need. For many, many years Josie Maran Argan Protect & Perfect was my go to for the Summer. It had SPF, a light, sheer peach tint, and it was just perfect for a little bit of coverage that gave my skin a natural yet polished look. It was perfect. They discontinued it sadly. But since that time many, many brands have being going very sheer and natural with their base product launches lately. It seems like Gen Z and Alpha are more about simple, natural looks and I don’t mind at a single bit as I get older.

We have tons to choose from at the moment but the two best skin tints I’ve tried recently would have to be…

First up we have a WINNER of a release from Make Up For Ever. I admit you’ve been off my radar a little bit lately, Make Up For Ever. But you’re back and badder than ever (bad in a good way, of course!)! Friends, let’s hear it Make Up For Ever Super Boost Lightweight Moisturizing Skin Tint with Hyaluronic and Polyglutamic Acids! I purchased this a few weeks ago and I am in love. Super duper lightweight, absorbs in a single flash (faster than Superman leaping talk buildings), and has JUST the right level of pigment to brighten, smooth, and even out skin tone. It looks beautiful, natural, yet still has the “I’m made up” look but in a natural way! Outstanding product. I’m very much in love with this one.

Next we have Milk Makeup Hydro Grip 12-Hour Hydrating Gel Skin Tint and she’s your girl if you have dry skin! Not only is this moisturizing but it’s a formula that goes to keep your skin feeling like it’s perfectly hydrated all day but not greasy or shiny. It does have that sort of initial tackiness the primer has which actually works in the user’s favor because it makes it last longer. Very natural looking on my skin as well not to mention it’s a formula that isn’t going to adhere to drier areas or breakdown around the sides of your nose in dry icky patches. It sticks to skin like glue. It’s also oddly pigmented for a tint. I mean, we’re not talking crazy levels of pigment but there’s enough coverage here you’ll feel like you’re look fresh and awake. This one is a winner as well!

I’ll review both soon but what are your fav tints? Simon was not harmed or stalked in the making of this post.

Where to buy

Sephora

That was fast. The latest Juilette has a Gun Perfume, Miami Shake, sold out in the travel-spray and 1.7 oz bottle. Gourmands are all the rage lately and this one brings us a sweet tooth in a bottle with notes of strawberry, ice cream cone, and vanilla. If you had the travel-spray on your wish it has sold out but have no fear you can actually grab a much better deal in the Juliette Has a Gun Mini Duo Coffret Set! It’s $32 which makes it cheaper than the travel-spray and has more fragrance! You get Miami Shake AND Not a Perfume in 0.27 oz dapper bottles. Plus, if you have a Sephora Savings discount starting tomorrow for Rouge save 20% off with the code SAVEMORE making it an even better deal.

Enjoy!

Where to buy

Nordstrom

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Sephora Collection Blush Blush Blush. Cream & Powder Palette ($18) is a new blush compact featuring a cream, satin, and shimmer shade of blush and is sort of a One/Size Cheek Clapper dupe of sorts. This style of blush has been getting a lot of traction lately as not only has Sephora attempted duplicating but we also, have the Revolution Beauty Blush Icon Palette and Morphe Cheek Thrills Multi-Finish Face Trio that recently launched. I haven’t tried the Morpe version but I did purchase two of the Revolution Palettes and quite liked them! I picked up one of the Blush Blush Blush. Cream & Powder Palette on a whim! I was actually sort of having a weird FOMO issue as I felt for sure these would sell out when the Sephora Spring Savings Event starts on Friday as at that point you can get them 30% off. I wasn’t sure how popular they’d be so I was like eh, I can afford to just try out one.

I think I also got excited that Sephora finally updated their collection. I feel like they have been pretty slow launching products to the Sephora Collection in the last few years. I remember looking forward to their launches but nowadays not so much. I’m impressed they dropped not one but Sephora Collection Blushes for Spring/Summer 2025.

Sephora Blush Blush Blush Cream & Powder Palette set me back $18 for 0.26 oz of blush. Each blush is a different size so if you’re wanting a uniform palette this might disappoint. The blush comes in a dual lid hard plastic compact with a generously sized mirror inside. The first lid opens to reveal the trio of blushes and a second, clear lid covered the cream blush. I thought it was odd the cream blush was the largest (0.11 oz) size. I dunno why but I thought maybe the powder blushes should have been bigger? I’m not sure where that train of thought is coming from. Maybe it’s because I use powder more than cream blush. I did want to be a little big of a negative Nancy about the compact. It’s has a nice weight, it’s cute, and I love the neon shade however, opening it was a pain. I have currently have short nails and I couldn’t get the damn thing open. I had the tip of a scissor to get it flipped open. The clasp is a bit b&tchy to open.

I didn’t like this palette but I’m giving it a 4 out of 5 stars because the formula is great it’s just I don’t like the finish. It’s too flat. I can’t completely rant about it because the formula is actually good, performs well, etc…! It’s just I don’t personally like the finish. I wanted more glow from it or at least expected it to have a bit of shimmer. It’s very dull and flat on my cheeks and that’s not what I like from my blush. I want more glow, more shimmer, more radiant and this didn’t really have that. If that’s what you want too I’d say go with the Revolution Beauty one of the One/Size as those do have that finish.

Out of the three blushes I loved the cream blush the most. It’s soft, easy to blend, and it has the most beautiful semi-dewy finish on skin. The formula is thin yet creamy and feels very hydrating, it’s lightweight, it’s pigmented with nice buildability, and wears around five or so hours without fading.

Sadly, they sort of fell off with the other two blushes. The matte shade is sort of a semi-satiny finish and it has a lovely texture. It’s soft, silky, applied easily, and was very smooth on my drier cheeks. However, the finish was just dull and flat. Likewise with the shimmer which technically isn’t even shimmer. It’s more a pearly satin shade. It’s the lightest of the three shades but it is still quite pigmented but again, it’s just really flat. I think these two shades bring the entire palette down. If they added just a touch more radiance I’d probably have loved. I feel like the shade combo is matte on me and a little dulling on my skin. It does wear for several hours without fading and actually will extend the wear of the cream if you wear the two together.

All in all, the Sephora Blush Blush Blush Cream & Powder Palette is a matter of preference in the end. The formula isn’t horrible it’s just the finish I’m not into. Those who like mattes may adore this but personally, I like a bit more glow or shimmer in my blushes.

Sephora Blush Blush Blush Cream & Powder Palette is available now!

Where to buy

Sephora